If you had a week of vacation to spend in EU at the beginning of August, where would you go???

Question

I have a week by myself beg. of August. I would like somewhere warm, with something to visit, some relaxation...
am thinking of Spain, Greece... other ideas??? suggestions???
I'll be alone, don't mind meeting ppl but would not be the purpose.

I live in Europe, and yes, its gonna be hot and humid... some things cannot be changed!! I already know France and Italy quite well, Germany and Istria as well...

:) yeah Amsterdam and Montreal are both great spots!!!
thanks to all for great ideas!!!

Answer 1

Italy. It has so much to offer. So much history, culture and interesting cities. Rome, Milan, the Alps in the North. That would be a great adventure for you.

If it is between Spain and Greece, I'd choose Spain. Barcelona and Madrid are both fascinating cities. I've never been to a Spanish beach but I hear there are wonderful resourts in Spain.

Answer 2

August is not a great time to travel in Europe
and it will be HOT and HUMID is a lot of places
I recommend that you try somewhere like Holland, they have some nice beaches, Amsterdam is entertaining and it should not be as hot as Greece.

Answer 3

Yes, Greece and Spain are nice. Also, why don't you consider Croatia, Italy, Azure in France?

Answer 4

Hi there! Go to www.trafalgartours.com and you can find week long tours there that will go with where you want to go. Prices are pretty decent. (No I don't work for them, just highly recommend them) Personally, I would try Egypt just for something different, and that would definately be a warm place. :) Good luck and have fun!

Answer 5

Head north. Amsterdam. Its a very tourist friendly place and its not really THAT cold. Windy yes. you won't regret it.

Answer 6

You are welcome to Bulgaria. There is a lot of sunny beaches with golden sands. Nice people and ancient history. Forget about Greece, Turkey and .... you will not be sorry.

Answer 7

Any where .But I think to London and Spain.

Answer 8

Why Go: Trip Ideas

Montreal, Canada:
A Shortcut to Europe:
If you're craving the charm of Europe and the style of Paris but don't want to hassle with jetlag, language barriers, or the Euro, this is the city for you.
Good to know: Even if you speak French, you may be better off speaking English. Although it's a bilingual Franco-Anglo city, natives may throw you off by speaking French Canadian, which is different from European French.

Local flavor: Poutine, a concoction of french fries with fresh cheese curds that’s covered in hot gravy, is the native snack. Order it with another local favorite, foie gras, at Au Pied du Cuchon, which is famous for its Quebecois comfort food.

Local tipple: Grab a Molson Canadian. Since 1786, when John Molson opened his first brewery in Montreal, Canadians have been serious about their beer brewing and drinking traditions. (FYI, Pamela Anderson got her start in their ads!)

Place we love, even if it's touristy: Notice the Parisian influence as you saunter along the St. Lawrence River waterfront, window shop at boutiques along cobblestone streets, and breeze into the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica of Old Montreal.

History lesson: If Mount Royal Park reminds you of New York's Central Park, it's because both were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Lookout points from the Chalet du Mont-Royal reveal views of the city skyline and famous river.

Get your bearings: Montreal’s downtown features a subterranean world linked by 20 miles of shop-lined walkways. Spanning several blocks, it allows you to travel between hotels, restaurants, the movies, and the Metro without going outside--perfect for subzero winters.

Get cultured: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the country's most famous museums. Pieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Cezanne are part of the permanent collection, which also includes works by Canadian Indian, Inuit, and Canadian artists.

Where the locals go: Located along the Lachine Canal bike path, the two-story Marche Atwater (Atwater Market) is one of the city's oldest public markets and is where Montrealers go for just-picked fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, specialty meats, and other picnic-friendly items.



Recommendations & Suggestions:

BEFORE YOU GO: Montreal


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOMS
-US visitors should be prepared to show any of the following at the border: a passport, or photo ID and proof of US Citizenship (for example, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a naturalization certificate or a green card). No visas are required for stays of less than 180 days.
-Bring a valid passport. They are not required for entry by US citizens (as long as you have other documents mentioned above), but it's a good idea to bring one because other documents (like birth certificates) are harder to validate and easier to misplace.
-Visitors leaving Canada for US destinations clear US Customs and Immigration before departure. US citizens are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty-free every 30 days. Above that, you'll be charged a flat rate of 10% duty on the next $1000 worth of purchases. Be sure to save all of your merchandise receipts.
-Non-US citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you aretraveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.

LANGUAGE
-English except in Quebec province, where French is spoken.

CURRENCY
-The Canadian Dollar (CDN$1). The exchange rate varies, but is currently about 1 US Dollar= 1.57 Canadian Dollars. It's easy to exchange currency at banks, and US dollars are often, although not always, accepted.
-24-hour ATMs are widely available and major international credit cards are accepted in most places.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
-Road rules are the same as in the US.
-Taxis are widely available at airports, hotels and business areas, and are usually metered.
-Major cities have excellent public transportation facilities including buses and rapid transit.

DEPARTURE TAX (not included in this package)
-CDN$10 airport beautification tax is charged upon arrival or departure at Dorval airport in Montreal. No airport tax is charged in Toronto.

ELECTRICITY
-120 volts/60 cycles, which is compatible with the US.

HEALTH & SAFETY
-Just as you would when traveling to an unfamiliar area, consult any major guidebook or check with your hotel about any areas to avoid or precautions to take, and use common sense.
-Most hotels offer a safe for your valuables, but the safest option is always to leave any treasured valuables like expensive jewelry at home.

SHOPPPING
-Non-resident visitors are entitled to a rebate of the 7% GST tax or 15% HST tax on certain goods they take out of Canada, as well as on short-term accommodations. Keep your receipts, and pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at your hotel, a duty-free shop or a tourism information center.
-Tipping for service is usually 15%, although some hotels and restaurants automatically add a gratuity to the bill. For porters and other hotel staff, CDN$1 per item of luggage carried is standard.

CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE:
When calling Customer Service from Canada, dial 1-800-CALL-ATT prior to the toll-free number printed in your confirmation e-mail.

NOTE: U.S. State Department passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at www.state.gov/www/services.html




Basilique Notre-Dame
110 rue Notre-Dame Ouest on Place d'Armes


Built in 1829 by a Protestant Irish-American architect, James O'Donnell, Montreal's Notre-Dame so inspired its creator that he converted to Catholicism. Known for its breathtaking gilded interior, carved with amazing detail in exotic woods, the basilica is filled with light streaming through its three rose windows. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart, which was partially destroyed by arson in 1978, has been outfitted with an impressive bronze altarpiece designed by Charles Daudelin. The massive bells of Notre-Dame can be heard up to 25 kilometers away.



Chez l'Epicier
331 Rue St-Paul Est
Phone: [phone]


You can sit down to eat or order a picnic lunch to go at this French restaurant with multiethnic overtones--making it a great place to stop on a walking tour of Montreal's Old Town. Rest your weary feet while enjoying a plate of foie gras or wild mushroom mousse. Or, if the weather's good, pick up some groceries ("Chez l'Epicier" means "at the grocer's" in French) and whip up your own gourmet feast on a park bench.



Jardin Nelson
407 Place Jacques-Cartier Vieux-Montrial


Housed inside and out of an historic 1812 building, this Old Monteral seasonal dining venue features a sprawling outdoor terrace that seats up to 500. But you're bound to feel cozy amid the Mediterranean garden of blooming hibiscus and oleander. At lunchtime, your ears will be treated to live classical music while come night, the sounds of jazz reverberate off the trees. Large umbrellas and heat lamps are nearby in case the weather turns too hot or cold. The menu specializes in delicate crepes, pizzas and salads. Reservations are accepted only on weekdays.

Open daily April-Nov except during bad weather. Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat-Sun 10am-2am.



Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel
400 rue St-Paul Est
Phone: [phone]


Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours is better known in the Anglophone world as Our Lady of Perpetual Help. It's also sometimes called the Sailor's Church because so many old salts visit, offering thanks for a safe return from the sea. The foundations of the building date from 1675. The roots of the site go back even further; archeologists have discovered artifacts here dating to 400 B.C. You can visit a museum containing some of these finds, and you can also climb the belfry for an excellent view of Old Montreal.

Most of what you see when you enter the chapel dates from the late 1700s, a large portion of the original church having been destroyed by fire before then. A centerpiece is a statue of Lady of Perpetual Help herself. You can also view magnificent 18th century murals that were recently discovered lurking under more modern paintings.



Town Hall
275 Rue Notre-Dame Est
Phone: [phone]


In the Francophone sections of the city, you'll hear Montreal's Town Hall referred to by its French name, "Hotel de Ville." The building never was a hotel, but it does look more like a venerable old European luxury hotel than a place for government paper-pushers.

Construction started on the City Hall in 1872, and since then the edifice has survived a gutting fire and a controversial 1967 visit from French President Charles de Gaulle, where he stood on the balcony and shouted "Vive le Quebec libre"--"Long live free Quebec."

You can tour the beautiful interior of the building, which is ornately decorated with Italian marble, deco furnishings, and fine art.



Vieux Seminaire de St-Sulpice
116 rue Notre-Dame Ouest


This still-functioning seminary was built in 1657, making it the oldest building still standing in the city of Montreal. Unfortunately you can't tour the building, but the beautiful, historic facade is worth a look. See the clock built into the wall? It dates from 1701 and is almost entirely constructed of wood, gears and all.


Vieux-Port (Old Port)
Along the waterfront from rue McGill to rue Berri.


Formerly dreary, Montréal's wharf has been transformed into a park-like promenade--there's even an IMAX theatre. There's plenty to do, from shopping at the flea market to biking or blading along the paths. You can also get out onto the water by taking a harbor cruise from the pier. The Balade tram travels throughout the port area and is a nice way to get a sense of all the activities available.

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